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Champions League lured Jovetic

Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic said he stayed at the club as president Mario Cognigni told him they would vie for the Champions League.

Following a disappointing 2011-12 campaign in which the Viola finished just 10 points above the relegation zone in Serie A, the club recruited a host of new signings.

The likes of David Pizarro, Borja Valero, Alberto Aquilani and Luca Toni arrived, and Fiorentina find themselves in sixth place in the standings, four points off Napoli in third.

"I could've departed Fiorentina and I had some big offers, but I decided to remain in Florence. The president promised to bring in big names so we can challenge for a Champions League place soon," Jovetic told Vijesti.

"Our goal is to finish in the top three and reach the Champions League. For now I'm not thinking about a move to a bigger club, but if it's going to happen, then it will.

"If I leave Florence, then I'd like to stay in Serie A because I am happy here. Of course the Ballon d'Or would be a dream for me, but there is a lot of competition for the award."

Fiorentina's next league game sees them welcome Siena at the Artemio Franchi on Sunday.